MUSKEGON, MI – An unusual defense failed to help Muskegon
County resident Jason Hannett convince a jury that he was not guilty of
attempting to resist and obstruct police last October.

File Photo

Hannett, who acted as his own attorney at the trial but had a legal adviser present, argued he was
not guilty because he was an "original man of the land" and had a "God-given
right to travel."

He did not make an opening statement, call any witnesses on his behalf or cross examine Muskegon police officers testifying on the prosecution's behalf.

The jury found him guilty after hearing
testimony from three Muskegon police officers and watching video of the
incident, in which Hannett refused to cooperate with police during a
traffic stop on Peck Street near Merrill Avenue.

Muskegon County 60th District Court Judge Michael
J. Nolan presided over the trial.

According to court testimony, Hannett ran a yellow
light while heading westbound on Laketon Avenue approaching Peck Street on Oct.
24, 2012. When he was pulled over for a traffic stop, he rolled down the window
a few inches and presented a Michigan identification card to the police officer.

The officer repeated his request for Hannett to produce his driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Eventually the officer asked
Hannett to step out of the vehicle, but Hannett refused, according to police
testimony.

The officer then opened the driver's door and attempted to pull
Hannett out of the vehicle. After the officer was unable to pull Hannett out of the vehicle -- Hannett was clinging to his steering wheel, officers said -- and called backup to assist
him.

As officers repeatedly directed Hannett to get out of the
vehicle, they attempted to loosen his grip by grabbing him at a pressure point
in his neck, by using pepper spray and by striking his hands with a baton.

Officers were only able to get him out of the vehicle after
an officer went to the passenger side and pushed him out while officers on the
other side pulled, they said. In total, they said four officers and a cadet
were required to get Hannett out of the vehicle.

After he was removed from his vehicle, Hannett also refused
requests to place his hands behind his back. At some point in the scuffle,
Hannett finally presented a temporary driving permit.

Hannett's sentencing
will be scheduled after April 9. Nolan said he wanted to conduct a pre-sentencing
investigation so he could "make a wise and informed decision."